Local Band POSSM Creates An All-Day Music Festival in Hartford
Ready for something different Hartford? How about a first-ever, free public celebration of local music featuring musical performances, hands-on music activities, local food, beer and more? On September 8th this idea comes to life as the Hartbeat Music Festival, at Downtown Hartford’s Riverfront at Mortenson Plaza (located adjacent to the Connecticut Science Center).
The creators, a local Hartford band favorite called Professors of Sweet Sweet Music (also known as POSSM) wanted to create a platform that would truly showcase Hartford County’s amazing musical talent. Inspired by all of the local music, art, and community activities surrounding them, they spoke with Riverfront about developing a music-focused event that could celebrate this unique local culture.
Once word got out about this one-of-a-kind event, requests kept rolling in about becoming involved. And so, what started as a one stage mini-event, transformed into a three-stage, day-long music festival, filled with live music, interactive community events, food, drink, and more.
A Sneak Peak into the Hartbeat Festival
The Hartbeat festival will run from 12-9PM and is FREE to the public (YES FREE!). Walk through the Riverfront and you’ll find three stages of music; a lower stage, upper stage, and the acoustic stage.
The afternoon is dedicated to more than just live music, as there will be interactive music and performance activities that are great for the whole family, including, drumming lessons by Parkville Sounds, singing lessons by Hannah Ardenski of Hannah’s Field, and dance lessons by Artists Collective. You will also find an instrument petting zoo from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra along the way.
And don’t worry there is also a great selection of local food (and beer for the adults) all day and evening long. After 6PM, the festival focus will move to the main stage, where attendees will gather to enjoy the evening performances, laid-back vibes.
Local Music of all Genres
The Hartbeat Music Festival celebrates all genres of music, making it unique and exciting for all. “We have been fortunate over the last couple of years to have come across many talented musicians in the area” says POSSM. Bands performing include:
- Indie Rock/Folk Rock – Among the Acres, Audio Jane, POSSM
- Reggae/Jam – Hannah’s Field, Rhythmic Circus, One Time Weekend
- R&B/Funk/Hip-Hop – Phat A$tronaut, Tang Sauce, Born (IE), Joey Batts
- Bluegrass – RMB
- Singer-songwriters/Pop – Kate Callahan, Lisa Heller, Capitol Blondes, Now for Ages
- Acoustic/Acapella – Frank Critelli, the Sweetest Key
- Post-punk – Super Scenics
- Latin Jazz – Greater Hartford Youth Orchestra
- Drum Core/Brass Bands – Hartford Proud and You’re Not Listening Brass Bands
Get to Know POSSM
You may have heard of POSSM from winning ‘Best of Hartford’ 2 years in a row or recently being nominated by the New England Music Awards for ‘Best in CT’. They are often spotted at Hartford’s popular gastropub, Republic at the Linden, where they might be playing ‘First Thursday’ shows or just hanging out at the bar. Lead vocalist, Earl says, “Republic is our home away from home… and because it’s in our neighborhood it’s tough to go anywhere else. We think it’s one of the best spots in CT.”
And if POSSM hadn’t been busy enough planning the Hartford music festival of the year, they also recently released their first album, ‘Take Your Time’. The music is described as “acoustic-driven indie rock…or sexy, sexy, sexy, sexy music”, and POSSM has been thrilled to be able to bring the collection to their fans.
Fans of the band will recognize some songs from the album that POSSM has been playing at local shows over the past few years, but they will also be delighted to hear never-before-heard songs as well, created and recorded in just the last 6 months. You can listen to the album here on Spotify or download it on iTunes here. The album is also currently in production for colored vinyl for the record enthusiasts out there!
Be sure to check out POSSM on September 8th at the Hartbeat Music Festival, performing on the main stage in the evening. And be sure to hashtag all of your pictures from the event #HartbeatMusicFestival so we can feature you!
Looking to pre-order a vinyl or want to reach out to POSSM for a gig? Contact thepossm.com or thepossm@gmail.com
